Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices

The Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive and innovative education that combines traditional documentary production with contemporary media technologies and critical analysis. This program is designed for aspiring filmmakers, journalists, and media practitioners who are interested in exploring the power of documentary storytelling across multiple platforms and formats. Students will engage in hands-on projects, gaining practical skills in filming, editing, and digital media production, while also developing a strong theoretical understanding of documentary ethics, history, and its role in society. The curriculum encourages experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from fields such as visual arts, media studies, anthropology, and communication. Through coursework, workshops, and collaborative projects, students learn to craft compelling narratives that inform, provoke, and inspire dialogue about contemporary issues. The program aims to cultivate versatile media practitioners who are equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape and contribute meaningfully to social change. Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices program will be prepared for careers in independent filmmaking, journalism, media advocacy, or academic research, with a solid foundation in both technical skills and critical thinking. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to media production, fostering innovation, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to diverse voices and stories. Students benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and vibrant media community, ensuring a dynamic learning environment that supports creative exploration and professional development.

The Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices MFA is a three-year degree program requiring 60 credit hours of course work, with first-year, second-year, and thesis reviews, and with public presentations of work each year.

• Seven seminars are required, including Research and Methodologies, four Documentary, and two MFA Thesis seminars.

Also required:

• One Production workshop
• One Production Topic
• One Documentary fieldwork course
• One Contemporary Issues in Documentary Media course
• One Media/Culture Studies elective 
• One Producing Practicum
• Three self-directed research classes, under faculty supervision
• Individual Thesis Research course 

Each student’s thesis project will be presented in a third-year spring semester MFA Exhibition. A written thesis reflecting on the project is required. The MFA thesis project will focus on producing an intellectually rigorous and innovative contribution to documentary media. The MFA thesis project evolves throughout the course of the program as students develop their own distinct perspective.

Requirements

• Hold at least a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent from an accredited college or university and provide transcripts from every institution attended.
• Have an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.75.
• If international, provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a statement of purpose.
• Provide a portfolio of sample media work such as short video, photography, website documentary projects and audio work. Format preference is Vimeo, otherwise QuickTime files, DVD and/or links to website work. 
• For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.  Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.

Scholarships

• Research or teaching assistantships and fellowships are available. Please request one as part of the application.
• Global Education

Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices at the University of Colorado Boulder is a innovative program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of documentary media in its various forms. This program emphasizes the development of critical skills in storytelling, ethical filmmaking, and the use of emerging technologies in media production. Students are encouraged to explore a wide array of media formats, including film, digital media, interactive media, and experimental projects, fostering creativity and technical proficiency. The curriculum often combines theoretical coursework in media studies, ethics, and communication with hands-on practice in production, editing, and distribution. Students may have opportunities to collaborate on community-based projects, internships, and exhibitions, which prepare them for careers in journalism, documentary filmmaking, media advocacy, and media arts. The program is interdisciplinary by nature, integrating perspectives from arts, humanities, social sciences, and technology to produce well-rounded media practitioners. Faculty members are typically experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to fostering innovation and critical engagement in media arts. Facilities include state-of-the-art production studios, editing suites, and media labs that support diverse creative endeavors. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills necessary to produce compelling, ethically responsible media content across multiple platforms and to adapt to rapidly changing industry demands. The program aims to foster a community of reflective, creative, and socially conscious media makers committed to storytelling that informs, educates, and inspires audiences locally and globally.